Lactation

Summary

Delta College has adopted these procedures to support lactating employees. Under this procedure, Delta College shall provide lactating individuals with the accommodations necessary to ensure they have access to equal educational opportunities while meeting their health needs. Any questions or concerns regarding this procedure should be directed to Delta College Office of Human Resources or the Title IX Coordinator. 

This procedure is consistent with applicable state and federal law, including the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of Michigan. 

Definitions 

1. 1. The terms “lactating individual” is intended to include any employee who expresses milk for up to three years after a child’s birth. 
   2. “Medical necessity” is a determination made by a health care provider of an individual’s choosing. 
   3. “Reasonable accommodations” for the purposes of this procedure are changes in the academic environment or typical operations that enable a lactating individual or person with a lactation-related condition to continue to pursue equal benefits of the College. 
   4. “Absence” from work includes tardiness or a break for the expression of breast milk within the workday. 

Procedures

Designated lactation space

Delta College offers a clean, comfortable and secure place on campus for lactating individuals to use for breastfeeding. Restrooms are not classified as designated lactation spaces. With the exception of the Downtown Bay City Center, the Lactation Room’s sole intent is for the purpose of expressing breast milk. Any other purpose is in violation of the intent and policy of the room.

 All designated lactation spaces are private, cleaned daily and equipped with, at minimum: 

• • • a table or other flat surface 
    • a chair 
    • an electrical outlet 
    • access to sanitation cloths, hand sanitizer and/or running water

Room locations (for all faculty and staff)

The Department of Human Resources and the Title IX Coordinator will assess adequacy and accessibility of existing locations. 

Main Campus 
F299C, second floor, near vending machines in the Allied Health Wing 
S240 (employee only, contact HR for access) 

Downtown Bay City Center 
Conference Room 116 

Downtown Midland Center 
Room 220, second floor 

Downtown Saginaw Center 
Room 233, second floor 

Breastmilk storage: Breast milk storage and temperature control is the responsibility of the individual. Delta College does not provide access to spaces to store or refrigerate expressed milk. 

Lactation breaks

Employees: In accordance with state and federal law, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Delta College provides reasonable break time for an employee to express milk for her nursing child for up to three years after the child’s birth. The frequency and duration of breaks will likely vary. Scheduling breaks (both paid and unpaid) and/or lunch periods (unpaid) shall be approved by your Supervisor in accordance with College standard break time policy. 

Freedom from discrimination 

Delta College is committed to addressing discrimination complaints promptly, consistently and fairly. Any Delta College employee, student, or other participant in the College's programs or activities who believes discrimination has occurred on the basis of their pregnant or parenting (lactation) status may file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator or Equity Office. 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Delta College embraces equal opportunity as a core value: we actively promote, advocate, respect and value differences, and we foster a welcoming environment of openness and appreciation for all. Delta prohibits discrimination in accordance with, and as defined by, applicable federal, state, and local law, particularly non-discrimination in employment, education, public accommodation, or public 

service on the basis of age, arrest record, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, and weight. Direct inquiries to the Equity Officer, Delta College, Office J101, 1961 Delta Rd., University Center, MI 48710, telephone 989-686-9547, or email equityoffice@delta.edu. 

Revision of this procedure 

This Procedure will be reviewed and updated as needed by the Department of Human resources and the Title IX Coordinator. Delta College reserves the right to make changes to this document as necessary, and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect. Nothing in this document can be interpreted in a manner that is inconsistent with state or federal law, including future legal developments. This document is not intended to and does not create legally enforceable protections beyond those enumerated in state or federal law. 

Participation
All Delta College employees

Revision/Review dates
01/11, 07/17, 01/26, 2/26